WHEREAS, this morning the State of Delaware lost one of the General Assembly's wisest, most eloquent, and persuasive members by the death of Senate Minority Leader Allen J. Cook; and

WHEREAS, a mark of the nature of the man was that Senator Cook served diligently and effectively in the State Government for 25 years without making an enemy; and

WHEREAS, Senator Cook was a modest man who worked quietly without clamor to secure passage of quality legislation for the well-being of Delaware and all her citizens; and

WHEREAS, despite his illness, Senator Cook refused to yield and despite physical pain and inconvenience retained his active participation in legislative activities and determinedly continued to discharge the duties of his office; and

WHEREAS, his passing is a loss not only to his wife Nancy and family but creates a void in the spiritual leadership of the General Assembly;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SHERMAN W. TRIBBITT, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, as a tribute to this faithful public servant, do hereby order and declare a

PERIOD OF MOURNING FOR SENATOR ALLEN J. COOK

throughout the State of Delaware beginning today and continuing through the final day of this month; and I further order all State flags within the State of Delaware to be flown at half-staff during this period of mourning in memory of this outstanding Delaware citizen.